OpCritical has clearly cemented its position as one of the indispensable acoustic fortresses in today’s musical scene. OpCritical goes well beyond being just a powerhouse of talent. Rather, it works as a necessary defense system for the very foundations that keep society running smoothly. There is an element of selflessness that is inherently embedded in the essence of OpCritical. Their philosophy revolves around laying down individual ego in favor of the message that must be delivered. We have already seen this skill demonstrated in tracks like “Doing Fine” and “USA” that were truly eye-opening pieces of art, but especially in “Not My America.” This track remains one of the most memorable and moving experiences I have had since hearing it for the first time. Now, it is a pleasure to inform my readership that the group has decided to come back with their new piece of work called “Righteousness,” which was released on June 26th. So, let’s take a look behind the curtains.

Right from the get-go, “Righteousness” will have you hooked to your senses with an intense, animalistic crash of drums and guitars that can only be described as being magnetic. It will grab you like a magnet grabs iron and keep you glued with an irresistible force, much like a bear is drawn to honey. Right off the bat, it sets a tone that will not let you go and makes you want more from the sheer intensity of what it offers; you are hooked the moment those opening riffs are done, captivated by the anticipation of what is to follow.

“Righteousness” is more than a protest song; it is a searing indictment of the stark inequities defining our current era. With unflinching clarity, the track aims at the oligarchs who indulge in decadent, lavish excess while the heartbeat of society, the hardworking citizen, is left to struggle in the shadows. It serves as a sharp, sonic mirror held up to the super-rich, those who siphon their wealth from the labor of the masses only to flaunt it with a reckless indifference to the human cost. It evokes the famous and historical allusion to the echoes of revolutionary France when confronted with the cry of the hungry people through the notorious saying “Let them eat cake” in the face of the time when they will rise against their lords. It has managed to incorporate the warning of history within its music, and hence makes the song a call to action where people are encouraged not to just stand by and watch. OpCritical is calling upon citizens to take legal action on the modern barons of the world who are prospering in our misery.

The creation of the “Righteousness” song is not only a manifesto of sound but an echo of its meaning, too. The song’s atmosphere is created in a very harsh and urgent manner, where the instruments do not simply support the lyrics; they enhance them. You may feel it in every single layer of this music composition; the drums give the feeling of a march with their rhythm, while the guitars have the effect of a knife in their tone. It is a very effective utilization of space in which the unadulterated vocal performance takes prominence without having to be subjected to anything unnecessary. In fact, the recording process has managed to perfectly capture that “live-room” quality and has helped in maintaining the raw power of the track, making it feel like one is right at the heart of the protest. It is an extremely rich and dynamic approach to audio design and one that matches up perfectly with the ethos of the band because it rejects any notion of over-production and has gone for a punchy and totally gripping audio design instead.

This is more than just a song; it’s a statement. In relation to the critical take on power that this essay proposes, one can easily find a relevant example in the ongoing conversations concerning the MET Gala and similar events. Despite being positioned as philanthropic acts, the MET Gala and others have come to represent the lightning rod for public anger that is justified and easy to comprehend. The reality is that most people view these events not as charitable deeds but as a loud display of opulence, which stands in a striking contrast to the state of people struggling to survive. This phenomenon is precisely what OpCritical highlights through its lyrics, revealing how the excessive flaunting of wealth has turned into an insult to society’s collective consciousness. “Righteousness” is an artwork in itself; this is the type of track that not only requires your attention but your awakening. It is rare for a collective to combine such a high degree of musical aggression and a message that is crucial and human at the same time, but OpCritical achieves all of that with effortless urgency. This track is filled with such a force of truth that my genuine desire is for it to spread and inspire that sense of collective consciousness which we badly need to restore. Already, I find myself in eager anticipation of where their fierce determination is going to be pointed next. Regardless of what they choose to discuss, one thing is certain: I’ll be there.

Stream “Righteousness” on Spotify 

Follow OpCritical here and their socials: YouTube